Study in HCM City – Vietnam National University

The Program

Fields of study include language, history, culture, economics, politics, security, international relations and developmental science. Through its research, the Center seeks to promote cross-cultural exchange and understanding between Vietnam, its Southeast Asian neighbors and other countries, as well as introduce foreigners to Vietnamese culture and society.

The program has its origins in the founding of “Saigon University” which began its operation in 1955. In 1977, the “University Ho Chi Minh” was officially established, and in 1995 became “The Vietnam National University – Ho Chi Minh City”. Members of the faculty have been invited to teach Vietnamese and Southeast Asian Studies at various universities worldwide.

Overall, the program offers the opportunity to study the Vietnamese language and culture – Southeast Asian Studies, as well as experience South Vietnam’s vibrant city of Ho Chi Minh (the former U.S. Supported Republic of Vietnam) often still called Saigon, the Mekong River – Vietnam’s “rice basket” and students will have a chance to make a trip north to Hanoi. An adventurous way to spend a summer or semester – join us! Intensive day time courses. Minimum age is 16 yrs.

The Location

Home to 4 million people, Ho Chi Minh City is now a vibrant commercial center. Situated in the southern part of the country, this area is dominated by the estuary of the Mekong River system – Vietnam’s “Rice Basket”, and experiences a year-round tropical climate. Ethnic Vietnamese constitute 90% of the population, with various other ethnic groups making up the remaining 10% (primarily Chinese).

Even after decades of war, Vietnam has opened up to foreign businesses, educational exchanges, and cooperative diplomacy. The Vietnamese people are very hospitable for foreigners and are sincerely interested in having students from around the world visit their country.

Courses

Students take 4 intensive class periods per day, 5 days a week: Monday – Friday, morning and afternoon classes. Excursions are scheduled on some Saturday afternoons. 20 hrs of class per week. Minimum age is 16 yrs.

Students are placed in the appropriate level (beginner to advanced) of the language courses, based on an oral proficiency test given upon arrival.

Academic Credit

Financial Aid

Yes, you can use your financial aid on this program. Please have your Financial Aid office e-mail us a “Consortium Agreement” to complete and sign. CSA does not offer any scholarships or financial aid, we can only assist you in using your home school’s financial aid on this program.

The earlier the better, since it takes time to process. Overall, CSA does not offer any financial aid, we can only assist you in obtaining and using your aid from your home school on these programs.

Activities

Courses are complemented by a lively social program that includes: excursions/tours of the local area as well as a trip up north to Hanoi. Other trips may include visiting Da Nang, Nha Trang, Hue.

Excursions/tours are optional and will cost extra to participate. Schedules and prices will be given upon arrival and students can decide later (after arrival) if they want to participate or not.

Housing

Students live in hotel (guest house) accommodations 10-15 minute walk from the University. Always popular with foreign students, these basic hotel rooms consist of small single study-bedrooms with basic private bathroom, air conditioning, TV, desk and closet. Front desk service, laundry, telephones and vending machines are also available in the hotel. Housing not included in program cost.

Students take their meals at the University “canteen” (cafeteria) and are very affordable, about $2.00 per meal. Also, there are several local restaurants that provide good, reasonably priced meals.

If requested, CSA will reserve a hotel room for you nearby campus. Hotel offers airport pick-up shuttle service to / from hotel for small fee. Hotel costs $15 – $25 per day, depending on if you have a single or double room. Students pay the hotel directly there by credit card or cash. CSA will include additional housing information with the confirmation documents, and you may arrange own housing if you prefer.

Again, you can arrange own housing if you prefer, just let us know if you want a hotel room reserved and shuttle pick-up service from airport. Housing not included in program cost.

Requirements

Open to all students and adults. Minimum age is 16 yrs. Visa usually required.

Each student should obtain vaccines for the following: Hepatitis A, Typhoid, Tetanus (DTP). Polio booster and flu shot may also be a good idea. Consult your doctor.

CSA will be providing additional details on when and where to go upon arrival. Usually students will be arriving 1 day prior to the starting date. Plan on arriving 1 day prior to starting date.

Please plan on departing the day after classes end.

Arrivals

Airport pick-up service is available if staying at school hotel if requested. A hotel shuttle will meet you upon arrival. Cost will range approximately $30. Please inform CSA in advance and provide flight information.